We’ll play football all day to help Lola
THE Skem Men-Aces are preparing to host a 24-hour charity football match for an ill three-year-old local girl.
The game is to take place on September 9-10 at Skelmersdale College.
Lola Ward, from Skelmersdale, was born with a rare condition known as Mowat-Wilson syndrome.
As a result of the condition, she was born without a spleen, has holes in her heart and heart valves, cysts on her kidneys and uplifted earlobes.
Lola also suffers from Hurshprungs disease, which means she will have to have her colon removed later this year.
The Men-Aces – a team for adults with learning disabilities – officially announced the 24-hour game last month, although the person they were fundraising for had not yet been decided.
Carl Eaton, 54, manager and founder of Skem Men-Aces Football Club, said: “I met Lola for the first time a few days ago, and she instantly melted my heart.
“She is an absolute bundle of joy.
“She is very interested in visuals and our main target is to raise enough money to buy her an iPad.
“We hope this charity event will raise awareness of Lola, her syndrome, and make her really happy.”
Lola’s dad, Desmond Ward, 39, said: “All this is still sinking in, you never think it is going to happen to you – we are so shocked that the football team have chosen raise money for us.
“Lola is limited with what she can do, she is three now and she still can’t crawl or roll over.
“If we could get her an iPad for her sensory stuff, that would be fantastic.”
Since 2009, the MenAces have competed in various fundraising events, including truck pulls and a triathlon – and have raised more than £50,000.
Carl added: “All of our team members have learning disabilities, and some have physical disabilities, too.
“Asking them to play football for 24 hours is going to be difficult.
“We do fundraising events each year to give back to the local community, as they are so supportive of us.”
If you would like to find out more, visit the Skem Men-Aces website, and if you would like to donate, visit www.gofundme. com/support-for-lolamay